Clearing up those pesky knee replacement recovery myths!
Joint problems are a common condition affecting nearly one in ten elderly patients worldwide. Patients previously had to suffer severe crippling joint pains which could be controlled only with strong medications, injections and painkillers. The advent of knee surgery, however, proved to be a godsend. Knee joints and even hip joints can be replaced completely with artificial replacements which work just as well as natural joints. However, the procedure is not without inherent complications. If you are planning get knee replacement surgery, go for it; but be advised about these simple knee replacement recovery tips which you should follow to get the best out of your prostheses.
Tip no 1- Pre-operative care
Before the surgery is scheduled, make sure that you boost your red blood cell count by eating an iron-rich diet for atleast two to three months. Donate your blood before the surgery to the blood bank and store atleast two units of blood for your personal needs. This way you know that you are getting clean uncontaminated blood during surgery. Prepare your home too. Make sure that you have stocked your home with supplies, paid the bills and contracted a home nurse to care for you after the surgery. You will find it difficult to drive home after surgery too as you will be on narcotics to control pain. For this reason, ask a friend or a family member to pick you up after the surgery. You will not be able to return to work for atleast 4-6 weeks so make sure that you have accumulated leave or permission for the extended leave period.
Tip no 2- Increase your physical therapy
Doctors and surgeons will advise you to start a physical therapy regime as soon as possible after surgery. This knee replacement recovery regimen will start just a day after the surgery. It will be painful and difficult but the faster you move, the better your joint becomes. Work with the physical therapist and do not miss sessions as the faster you move, the suppler your joint becomes. During the knee replacement recovery period, physical therapy is planned two or three times a day. Doctors will also recommend a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine for the knee replacement recovery period to exercise the joint as much as possible.
Tip no 3- Home-care
After the surgery, you will be sent home to recover. During this phase of the knee replacement recovery period, make sure that you follow the instructions to the letter. Use the elastic knee stockings that are provided to support your joints. Continue your physical therapy regimen during your home knee replacement recovery period. Exercises will be recommended by your physical therapist but you can also include mild graduated walking and normal household activities in your routine. However, avoid falling and use assisted walking devices like canes, braces and handrails. Limit your exercises to about 30-40 minutes daily and do not push yourself. If it pains, then that activity has to be stopped immediately.
Tip no 4- Recovery time
Usually doctors will keep you in the hospital for one to five days. Physical rehabilitation starts almost immediately in the hospital and it can range from anywhere from three to five times a day. After six days, you will be sent back home. Take the time to rest after the surgery. You will feel tired and exhausted. If possible, order and eat readymade meals for the first few days and get a home nurse to stay with you. This way you have someone to help you about in the first few days after surgery.
Tip no 5- Assisted pain medications
You will be on pain medication for atleast twenty days. However, there is an option for patients to taper off their dose and decide how much they want to take for their pain. Discuss this option with your doctor and try to wean yourself off the medication as quickly as possible. Compulsorily take medication one hour before physical therapy as it is going to be painful. During the hospital stay, the nurses will be giving you strong narcotics to dull the surgery pain. However, one problem which commonly occurs is that you will get rebound constipation. Make sure that you have a few home remedies ready for it at home.
Tip no 6- Complications
The rate of medical complications during knee surgery and after it, is very low ranging to about 2% or less. As a result, serious infections can be averted if you care for yourself before, during and after the surgery. Follow the doctor’s instructions very carefully. Start the antibiotics before surgery, continue them during the surgery and boost the dose after the surgery. It is also necessary for you to be careful while doing dental treatment during the knee replacement recovery period. Bacteria from dental procedures can slip into the blood and lodge in the prosthesis resulting in an internal infection which is extremely difficult to treat. As far as possible, try to eat a healthy organic diet, avoid all skin infections, urinary tract infections and any other health-risk situations for atleast six months after the surgery.
It’s very essential that you can for yourself properly after the surgery. The post surgical knee replacement recovery period is critical for the long-term retention of the joint. Continue the low impact physical therapy but add additional activities like golfing, swimming or walking to exercise your joint and make it as flexible as possible
